Moss Vale Newsagency

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS April/May 2020

113

EXPLORER MAP | Southern Highlands

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le w CANYONLEIGH p R d I e 15 Molla e warr h Wingecarribee a Highw S ay Reservoir SUTTON FOREST N Rd y ow h w ra ig Illawarra H R e 8 d Canyo nl 10 SHELLHARBOUR AVOCA Rerto Sallys Corner Rd 14 12 BURRAWANG EXETER Minnamurra Rainforest 11 Fitzroy Falls M31 9 Reservoir JAMBEROO 13 undn FITZROY FALLS To bur PENROSE Budderoo National Park KIAMA & Barrengarry WINGELLO Nature Reserve Morton National Park TALLONG Wingello KANGAROO State Forest VALLEY GERRINGONG

GERROA BERRY SOUTHERN BOMADERRY | Explorer N © 2019 Base information supplied with permission of the Spatial HIGHLANDS Sevices NSW, 346 Panorama Ave, Bathurst NSW Australia 2795 https://six.nsw.gov.au. Whilst every eﬀort has been taken, Highlife Publishing accepts no responsibility for any incident Map arising from any inaccuracy.

Follow our Drinks Trail 1. Eden Brewery 5. Joadja Distillery Fri & Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12. Sallys Corner Wines Sutton Forest. Open 7 days 1/19 Cavendish St, Mittagong. 1760 Joadja Rd Joadja. 12pm-7pm. 4899 7100 257 Sallys Corner Rd, Exeter 10.30am-4.30pm. 4858 1788 Open Wed-Sun 12pm-8pm. Open for private group tours Open Sat-Sun & P. Hols 9. Mount Ashby Estate 16. Cherry Tree Hill Wines 4855 2696 & bookings. 4878 5129 10.30am-4.30pm. 4883 4999 128 Nowra Rd, Moss Vale. 12324 Hume Hwy, Sutton 2. Artemis Wine 6. Bendooley Estate Open Thurs-Sun & public 13. Cuttaway Hill Wines Forrest. Open 7 days. 46 Sir Charles Moses Ln, Cellar Door 3020 Old Hume hols. 11am-5pm. 4869 4792 212 Sally’s Corner Rd, Exeter Thurs-Mon 10am-5pm. Mittagong. Wed-Sun Hwy, Berrima. Open 7 days Open Fri-Sun 10:30am - 4:30pm Tues & Wed 12pm-4pm 10. Southern Highlands Wines from 10am. 0498 842 654 10am-5pm. 4877 2235 or by appointment. Cnr Oldbury Rd & Illawarra Hwy, 17. Tractorless Urban Winery 0409 902 982 3. Tertini Wines 7. Centennial Vineyards Sutton Forest. & Brewery Lot 5 Kells Creek Rd, Mittagong. 252 Centennial Rd, Bowral Open 7 days 10am-5pm. 14. Sutton Forest Estate Wines 3/11 Pikkat Drive, Braemar Open 7 days Open 7 days 10am-5pm. 4868 2300 21 Black Horse Ln, Sutton Open 10:30am - 4:30pm. 10am-5pm. 4878 5213 4861 8722 Forest. Open Fri-Sun & P. Hols Thurs-Mon. 04022179077 11. St Maur Southern 10am-5pm. 4878 9278 4. Joadja Estate 8. Southern Highlands Highlands Estate 18. Peppergreen Estate 110 Joadja Road, Berrima. Brewing Company Kitchen Old Argyle Rd, Exeter. 15. Eling Forest Winery 13 Marketplace, Berrima. Weekends 10am-5pm. Thurs, & Taphouse 490 Argyle Street, Open Thurs-Mon 10.30am & Cellar Door Open Thurs to Mon until 5pm Fri & Mon 12-5pm. 4878 5236 Moss Vale. Thurs 5.30pm-10pm, -4.30pm. 4883 4401 12587 Hume Hwy,

115 STAY | Watershed

A Watershed Moment

Escape Southern Highlands I’m all for that old adage try before you buy but it sort Designed around an old machinery shed, the main stays at a designer shed and of defeats the purpose when staying somewhere for the external structure is Colorbond. Inside is corrugated tin discovers magic at the bottom first time. bought second hand from a knocked down shed. “Gives Which is why I am happy the owners of Watershed, a it a great patina,” explains the Mum. of the garden. chic shed conversion on the outskirts of Robertson, have Inside is open plan with a stylish living area, wood done the hard yards. This local family (mum, dad, three burning stove, designer kitchen and luxury bathroom WORDS ALEX SPEED teenage kids, two poodles, pet sheep and alpacas) spent with huge shower. The concrete floor is right on designer IMAGES & COVER their school holidays here for more than a decade before spec with loads of rugs and floor to ceiling windows ABBIE MELLE relocating permanently in 2014 from inner city Sydney. looking out into the garden. The decor is cosy chintz with “We spent many long weekends and weeks here in standing lamps, armchairs and a comfy lounge to sink holiday rentals and Airbnbs from cottages on the Gib into. There are throw rugs on every chair. Robertson to Wildes Meadow to Moss Vale,” the Dad told me some can get cold. years back. Upstairs there is a charming mezzanine sleeping area. It “From the outset, though, we felt there was a particular has a slanting roof, sky windows and twinkling fairy lights kind of beauty to Robertson. It feels like the far-flung part that give the feel of camping out in a luxurious shearing of the Highlands, like it’s just that more in the country.” shed. There is a queen bed with two singles under the It’s early autumn and as we turn off the Illawarra Highway, eaves. All are scrumptiously made with cosy duvets and it indeed feels like we are off the beaten track. Draped sheepskin rugs. Watershed sleeps five, even six. A sofa by towering radiata pines, the driveway sweeps around in the corner can be made up into another single and the family’s 1884 farmhouse and past an enormous downstairs the lounge converts into a double sofa bed. trampoline and treehouse with zipline. My eight year This is welcoming, easy accommodation, perfect for a old son and companion for the night shouts in delight. weekend or week stay. Thoughtful and kind hearts are On trend in its matt black finish, Watershed sits at the also evident, illustrated by the opening sentence in the bottom of the garden, magic against green paddocks. all-important information folder. A readied firepit in the courtyard is surrounded by “We want you to enjoy your break,” our hosts have balloon-back chairs. I make a mental note to mention written. “Please let us know if there is anything missing it to my city girlfriends. What a perfect spot to spend a or you need help with anything.” night catching up. Outside there is also a large outdoor No need. They have thought of it all. The kitchen with its table and chairs for al fresco dining. Watershed stands on gas range, wall oven and stocked cupboards is expertly land that was once part of a 120 hectare dairy farm. The kitted out. In the fridge there is fresh milk from Tilba Dairy, original weatherboard homestead was built by a former Lurpak butter and jams. On the stone benchtop, a coffee surveyor general for the Berrima District. But there is machine and a sourdough loaf awaits for our breakfast. nothing historical about this groovy little pad. There are bowls of freshly laid eggs and Granny Smith

116 Southern Highlands apples and a white jug of bright yellow daisies. There is even a carafe of port for cold nights. The wood burner is set (thus the designer woodpile outside) and there are bathrobes in the bathroom, and jumpers for nights around the firepit. “Mum, we could move in here,” my son says eagerly, before running outside to play with Chester, one of family’s friendly poodles who has come to say hello. Dogs are welcome; there is secure fencing all around Watershed. It’s dinner time so we decamp for the nearby Roberston Public House & Restaurant. Here we talk Pokémon over rump steak for me (Wednesdays are $15 steak nights with salad and chips) and chicken schnitzel for my son. Kids eat for $5 Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We head back to Watershed and snuggle up on the downstairs settee. Bedtime stories consist of my son delightedly reading more from the information folder. This time about recalcitrant uninvited guests. “We occasionally get frogs and we’re pretty sure they arrive up through the toilet. If you find one and if this freaks you out, call us and we’ll come catch it. Otherwise, just get a plastic container, catch it and throw it out on the grass. There is a wombat who regularly visits the attached woodshed and he can make bumps in the night. There are also lots of rabbits around in the morning and at dusk.” We are early to bed, and fall asleep listening to the winds pick up and the occasional soft rattle of the roof. We wake early to country sounds, and within minutes, my son is off outside. “Back soon Mum, I’m just going to look for those rabbits.”

Watershed – Robertson stayz.com.au *Escape Southern Highlands was a guest of Watershed

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MVVW_Amarok_240x320mm_MAR20.indd 1 12/3/20 11:56 am 119 EAT & DRINK | Moonacres School

New moon rises on HIGHLANDS FOODIE SCHOOL Moonacres School is the latest offering in award winning farmer Phil Lavers’ ongoing food vision to share his sustainable production and soil philosophy with fellow foodies.

WORDS KYLIE MATTHEWS IMAGES ELISE HASSEY, ASHLEY MACKEVICIUS & MOONACRES SCHOOL

If you’ve met Phil Lavers, you’ll appreciate he’s not one for blowing his own head chef at Fred’s in Paddington and renowned for her farm to trumpet. The award winning owner and farmer of Moonacres Farm at Fitzroy table cooking. Falls and Moonacres Kitchen in Robertson is generally happier letting his The school’s large kitchen is decorated in country-style and boasts an produce, and head chef and business manager Stephen Santucci, look after enormous Esse range cooker and stove. A communal dining table is any necessary parlance. positioned in the centre of the large space where students and teachers But as the newest gem in Lavers’ sparkling crown, Moonacres School opens will come together at the end of class to feast. its doors this month, the usually economically worded Lavers is happy to chat. Karon Di Francesco, Moonacres School manager, says it makes sense to offer “I guess you could say it is a solution to a problem,” says Lavers, who for the an educational program alongside the award-winning farm and cafe. past decade has delivered his organic produce to some of Sydney’s and the “Phil knows so many food artisans and chefs from years of supplying some Highlands’ best chefs. of the best restaurants in Sydney with produce from the farm, as does “Often these days people don’t know how to cook and they don’t understand Stephen,” says Karon. where their food comes from so we want to connect people with their food “Cheese makers, pasta makers, high profile chefs, sourdough bread makers, and for people to realise that the quality of our food really depends on the picklers and fermenters, charcutiers, and they’re all itching to come to quality of the soil.” Robertson and run courses at the Moonacres School.” Nestled beside the Big Potato, just a short walk from Moonacres Kitchen, the Local food artisans, experts and producers will also be sharing their school is part of Lavers’ long term plan to establish a foodie education hub in knowledge and skills in the kitchen and on the farm. the Southern Highlands, explains Stephen Santucci, formerly of Vini, Surry Hills. “If we do some charcuterie courses, for example, the charcuterie will be from “When Phil established Moonacres Farm in 2006, he already had the idea animals that are bred locally and we’ll get Frank the farmer to come in and to introduce a cafe, a school and a restaurant into the Highlands that would chat about the produce and his farming practices,” Stephen explains. all feed into one another and share a philosophy. That philosophy is to enjoy “It’s just so special to get the local producers who grow the food or nurture healthy, seasonal and hand-crafted local foods grown sustainably.” the product to be part of the learning process in the school.” Lavers moved with his family to their 56 hectare farm in 2006 after saying Cooking classes will be limited to intimate groups of 12 participants or less goodbye to a life as a financial trader and beginning life as an organic farmer and will include traditional cooking classes for adults and children. There will in the Highlands. Trial and error were his teachers. Fourteen years on, the also be a seasonal calendar and special courses around celebrations such farm remains key to the Moonacres family’s food plans. as Christmas, Easter, Ramadan and the Winter Solstice. Other seminars and “The farm is always at the centre of everything we do,” says Stephen. At events will be dedicated to teaching farming skills and techniques, says the cafe, in the bakery and now at the Moonacres School, our focus is on Karon Di Francesco. educating people on why it’s so important to nurture the soil, how and why “Our authentic food and farming experiences will help participants to develop our produce is farmed the way it is, and traditional and creative ways we can skills, increase knowledge, learn lost traditional arts and celebrate beautiful, prepare that food for optimum flavour and health.” fresh and local foods to share together around the table.” Helping the Moonacres team offer classes, lectures and demonstrations This is an exciting new foodie initiative for our community and beyond. at the new foodie education hub will be an impressive line-up of chefs, Book early – you don’t want to be late to class. E producers and artisans. These will include cheese maker Kristen Allan, and Moonacres School, 74-76 Hoddle St, Robertson O Tama Carey acclaimed chef of Sydney’s Lankan Filling Station. Others on For more information about classes etc moonacres.com.au board are Kim Douglas from Pizza Madre in Marrickville and Danielle Alvarez,

120 Southern Highlands 121 Spanning over 5 generations and for over 80 years the Lindsay family has taken pride in offering the most interesting and diversified Highland and coastal properties; special properties, some with unusual or architecturally significant features, others with historic or glamorous histories. Whatever you are looking for, whether it’s a quaint garden cottage or a grand old Highland Estate, Drew Lindsay Real Estate will provide you with a service in the true tradition of the Southern Highlands.

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122 Southern Highlands 123 124 Southern Highlands Start on the right note with our acclaimed

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ENROL NOW Wollondilly Anglican College FOR YEAR 5 2021 3000 Remembrance Drive, Tahmoor NSW 2573 Telephone: 4684 2722 Email: [email protected] Website: www.wac.nsw.edu.au125 WAC1397 ESCAPE/JAS INSTA STAR | John Waters

MY NAME IS John Waters Actor and musician John Waters left London for Australia in 1968 as a 19 year old with a guitar, a duffle bag and a voice in his head that kept saying, ‘It only costs £10 to go … why don’t you do it for two years and see how it goes?’ More than INSTA 50 years on, John is living his dream; a regular on our screens in hit TV series over the decades including Rush, All Saints star and Offspring, and on stage in his ongoing celebration of John Lennon in Lennon: Through A Glass Onion. John and Zoe Waters and their good mate and fellow performer extraordinaire Leo Sayer were instrumental in FireAid 2020. The jubilant open-air concert raised more than $300,000 for our bushfire affected Highlanders. @johnwatersoriginal My name is … John Waters My life in five words is ... something I don’t quite understand. We moved to the Southern Highlands in ... 2014 because it felt like home because we’d visited so often as a family. I love the Highlands because … the countryside is both beautiful and peaceful. My favourite thing to do in the Southern Highlands is … introduce friends and show them around. It makes you remember why you’re here. Followers of my Instagram see piccies of … me at work mainly. It’s a work tool. Joining in the ‘inspirational quotations’ is not me. When it comes music, this is one truth I know … music soothes the soul but only if that’s where it comes from. The best acting advice I ever received was ... be on time. Know your lines. The thing I always say to people who tell me they want a life on TV or the stage is ... don’t do it! If you have the guts to ignore that, then do it! I have performed in Through A Glass Onion for 28 years on and off but I never tire of …. knowing every show is a unique live experience. FireAid 2020 came into being over my kitchen table with Leo Sayer because …. something had to be done by ‘the people’ because political leadership in this country is the province of those whose only goal in life is re-election. FireAid was a particular thrill because ... it was a unique community experience. The 6000 people gave it a spirit and a devotion that was truly inspiring. The most precious piece of life advice I ever received was … See solutions, not problems. My most precious loves are … does a lifelong affair with Chelsea Football Club count? Becoming a father and a grandfather has been ... a rich tapestry of extended family where outsiders get lost trying to work out who is who. When people recognise me in the Southern Highlands, they mostly … say ‘Hi. How you doing? Had any rain out your way?’ The usual stuff. My favourite TV role ever was … Sergeant Robert McKellar, Rush, ABC 1973-76. Tough guy with a heart of gold. You’d have had to be lousy at it to mess it up. If there’s one thing I know about fame, it’s this … it don’t get the baby a new bonnet. When we have friends staying with us in the Highlands, we always take them to … Carrington Falls. My special place here is … at home. Front verandah in summer. The lessons I hope my kids learn from me are … being truthful, humble and very silly. My philosophy to finding contentment and fulfilment is … don’t be a dickhead. And finally, please finish this sentence …. former Play School presenters never die ... they just fly out the arched window. E To get your own Reg Mombassa designed Fireaid t-shirt, cap or poster visit fireaid2020.com (Image Brooke Munro)

126 Southern Highlands 127 WEDDINGS | Andrea & Dominic

FairyIN HISTORIC tale day BOWRAL HOME

128 Southern Highlands Andrea Killebrew and Dominic Aungles knew they a small reef shark swam right along the beach next to us,” says Andrea. “So it was certainly memorable.” Returning home, the couple started looking for were perfect for each other the moment they met. a wedding venue in the Southern Highlands, a place they had come to know Hopewood House proved the ideal backdrop for their and love during their commuting relationship between Sydney and Canberra. wedding day. Photographer Amelia Soegijono was They settled on Hopewood House, the home of Janet and Tim Storrier, one of Australia’s most renowned artists. there to capture their magic. “Hopewood just felt so personal. The estate is very romantic and in such a classic setting,” says Dom. “We were married in autumn because it’s not too hen Andrea Killebrew and Dominic Aungles first laid eyes upon each hot and because it was incredibly important Andrea’s family, who lives in Wother, it was the stuff of fairy tales. The couple, who married at historical America, was able to come, especially her youngest sister who was one of her Hopewood House in Bowral in March, met in a bar in Sydney. Andrea, who is bridesmaids. We planned our wedding around her school break.” originally from Lake Tahoe, California was celebrating a friend’s birthday. In a beautiful touch, Andrea’s mother made her daughter’s wedding dress by Dom was visiting from Canberra prior to his brother moving overseas. taking apart her own and re-creating another. “It was so sentimental because “Ours was a full-on WOW! moment,” recalls Andrea. “A whoosh of some it suited my style so much more than anything I ever tried on,” says Andrea. emotion never felt before. From that moment on, we never stopped talking, “Mum created her dress into two separate pieces because I couldn’t decide we were infatuated.” Infatuation quickly matured into long distance love, says on the design. She also made me a custom blush pink skirt to change into for Dom, a commercial property valuer and agent. “We could only see each dancing so I didn’t have to carry the long train around. She ensured I got the other on weekends but the more time we spent together, the more best of both worlds.” I loved Andrea’s huge heart, her gorgeous smile and the fact she fills every The couple loved the accommodation choices at Hopewood, and Andrea room with happiness.” His feelings were mirrored by Andrea, who works in and one of her bridesmaids stayed there the night before the wedding. The Communications, HR and IT for a leading development company. “I felt I had new Mr and Mrs also spent their wedding night at Hopewood. found my best friend and someone who wanted the same things for me as “We also liked that there was room for the ceremony and reception at I wanted for him,” says Andrea. “When Dom asked me to move to Canberra, Hopewood,” says Andrea. The couple’s wedding morning dawned clear after it was like we had both found that one in a million.” torrential rain overnight and by afternoon, when they exchanged their vows To celebrate their second anniversary, Dom booked a surprise trip to in front of 100 guests, including 30 from the US, the sun had arrived. Even Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef. He kept Andrea in the dark about resident peacock Kevin lent his splendour to the special day. their destination until the couple arrived at Cairns airport to transfer to the “We had a formal but short Catholic ceremony,” says Andrea. “Dominic’s exclusive resort. And his romantic gestures didn’t stop there. On the second childhood priest, Father Tony Frey, was granted special permission to marry day of their island escape, Dom organised a boat trip with a champagne us outside his parish so it was very special. Dom’s mother and two sisters and picnic. “Dom asked me to marry him on a private beach and at that moment, my brother also shared in our ceremony with readings.” F

129 WEDDINGS | Andrea & Dominic

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed drinks and canapes on details the lawn and wandered through the 1884 estate’s maze and Venue 11 acres of manicured gardens. With the weather turning chillier Hopewood House, Bowral hopewoodhouse.com.au (that’s the Highlands for you – four seasons in one day), guests moved to a sit-down reception in The Pavilion’s sumptuous Photographer Amelia Soegijono Grand Dining Room. Here they feasted on roast duck breast ameliasoegijono.com.au and confit pork belly with blood orange sauce, thanks to Simon Hair & Make-up Ekas Catering. The couple also had a champagne fountain and a June-Rose Mills dessert station which included Dom’s favourite gelato ice cream bridalmakeup.com.au from Limogela in Canberra, which serves its ice cream from a Bride’s Dress stretch limousine. Saks Fifth Avenue Afterwards, the party kicked on into the night with guests (and Andrea’s mother) dancing and celebrating in the adjoining bar areas. The pair saksfifthavenue.com honeymooned in Italy and now live in Canberra. Looking back Bridesmaids & flower on their wonderful wedding, Andrea says Hopewood House girl’s dresses thought of every detail to make the day fabulous. Lulus lulus.com “I think a defining moment for me was seeing my dad cry when he saw me in the dress he married my mum in,” says Andrea. Groom’s suit M.J. Bale “Also saying our vows as the sun came out.” mjbale.com Dom concurs happily. Wedding cake “Seeing Andrea walk around the hedge and down the aisle Limogela on the lawn was amazing,” says Dom. “Also seeing both of our @limogela families so happy together and finishing the formalities to have a Flowers really wonderful time – oh, and the ice cream limo, of course.” F Flowers on the Mill flowersonthemill.com.au

130 Southern Highlands 131 Other historic local wedding venues we love

Links House Hotel, Bowral Boutique ambience meets cosy charm at this delightful small The Ultimate Highlands Escape hotel. Marry on the lawns then hold your champagne reception in the leafy outdoor courtyard or go for a more formal sit down THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS LEADING LUXURY HOTEL AND SPA affair in the private dining room or lovely inhouse restaurant. Book out the hotel’s entire 13 rooms for your guests and revel in a truly private and special occasion. linkshouse.com.au

Somerley House, Sutton Forest A lovely elegant rural venue, this Victorian beauty with its tree lined driveway, was built around 1875 as a country retreat and close neighbour to the governor general’s former country pad just up the road. Marry in the gardens or the enchanting woods, dine in the gracious Garden Room and dance the night away under a thousand night stars. somerleys.com.au

Sylvan Glen, Penrose An 1870s heritage colonial guesthouse set within 60 acres near Penrose. You can book out the recently revamped guesthouse with its 15 en-suite rooms and make an entire weekend affair of it, starting with a dinner on Friday and a recovery on Sunday. Marry in the gardens just metres from the bridal suite. sylvanglen.com.au

Milton Park, Bowral One of the grand dames of the Highlands, Milton Park’s gardens are splendid – not many places can boast a bluebell wood. Milton Park’s five star hotel accommodation, spa, a la carte restaurant, tennis courts and art deco indoor swimming pool ensure your bridal party and guests are happy campers. miltonpark.com.au E

Images: Links House Courtyard (top), Somerley House (right) and Milton Park (bottom).

S et apart on its own secluded estate, just East of Bowral, Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa offers luxurious accommodation, award winning restaurants and impeccable yet discreet service in an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication.

THE MILTON PARK ESTATE • 200 HORDERNS ROAD, BOWRAL NSW 2576 • E: [email protected] T +61 2 4861 8100 • WWW.MILTONPARK.COM.AU • @MILTONPARKCOUNTRYHOUSE 132 Southern Highlands

Milton Park - FP - resized from Escape.indd 1 2/3/20 10:04 am The Ultimate Highlands Escape THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS LEADING LUXURY HOTEL AND SPA

THE MILTON PARK ESTATE • 200 HORDERNS ROAD, BOWRAL NSW 2576 • E: [email protected] T +61 2 4861 8100 • WWW.MILTONPARK.COM.AU • @MILTONPARKCOUNTRYHOUSE 133

Milton Park - FP - resized from Escape.indd 1 2/3/20 10:04 am EXPLORE & PLAY | Recharge, recover, rebuild

HELP AT HAND to heal the hurt As our countryside comes back to life after was starting to come and see him with anxiety,” says Petrea. the devastating fires, one esteemed local “Weeks later he told me some of the anxiety went when the and her team is offering support to people rains came, but not for everyone. Traumatic life events – such who may take longer to recover. as natural disasters – switch on human’s sympathetic nervous system and keep us constantly on high alert during the crisis,”

WORDS ALEX SPEED IMAGES ABBIE MELLE says Petrea. “Our cortisol and adrenaline levels go up, and that can stop us from sleeping, and interfere with digestion, Petrea King is familiar with seeing trauma and suffering up memory and concentration. People can feel numb and close. The wellbeing teacher, author, naturopath, clinical distracted and can’t make decisions or prioritise,” she says. hypnotherapist and international speaker with the soporific “At first everyone is in shock. Often it’s not until six to eight voice and kindly manner, has been helping and healing people weeks afterwards people suffering trauma can start falling for more than 30 years. in a heap.” Petrea is a survivor of trauma. In 1983 she was diagnosed with Petrea and the Quest for Life team are experienced in working acute myeloid leukemia and was not expected to live. She with communities in the aftermath of natural disasters. Last believes meditation and coming to terms with her own trauma year it took its outreach program to the central west of NSW. helped her recovery, and in 1999, she founded her not for profit In Trangie, Nyngan, Collie and Coonamble, the team worked Quest for Life Centre at Bundanoon. with local communities to provide farming families with Situated on the edge of the vast Morton National Park, Quest’s practical tools and strategies for self-care during the crippling, team of counsellors, therapists, mediators and masseurs has ongoing draught. assisted tens of thousands of people through its residential In January during the bushfire crisis, Quest opened its programs and workshops; former servicemen and women Bundanoon doors as a drop-in centre for residents. It offered with PTSD, victims of childhood sexual abuse and domestic emotional and psychological support, including counselling violence survivors, the gravely ill and those shattered by grief and deep meditation relaxation sessions, and is now delivering through death, divorce or depression. And now, people its outreach Bushfire Recovery Program into the wider from across the Highlands and throughout NSW pushed to community. A team of Quest counsellors is currently working their limits by the recent bushfires. “I was talking to one of with residents of the devastated village of Balmoral six days our local GPs immediately after the fires and he said everyone a week once a month to help those who lost their homes and

134 Southern Highlands their village. Funded by long-time supporters Marcus and Caroline Blackmore, Quest’s Bushfire Recovery workshops focus on providing emotional first aid to communities, and individuals. They include one-to-one counselling, deep relaxation classes and resilience building in people, families and communities. “We’ve been working with the Balmoral community’s resilient leaders and mentoring them so they can continue to mentor others in our absence,” says Petrea. “Our resilience and recovery will also help us identify people who have developed trauma or PTSD or who are highly anxious as a result of the bushfires, and who may benefit in taking part in one of our residential trauma programs at Bundanoon.” After Balmoral, Petrea and her team will move to other NSW fire-affected communities on the south coast. “We know for many affected by the recent bushfires, trauma might not surface until months after the fires have been extinguished and the emotional and human impact starts to surface,” says Petrea. “The greatest gift you can give yourself, your family and your community is the gift of your good physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.” Quest’s Bushfire Recovery workshops will run throughout 2020 and are available to communities and families affected by the fires.

DETAILS questforlife.com.au or email [email protected]

135

COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS DIRECTORY | Share the Love

To help our local community recover from bushfires and drought, Highlife Publishing is delighted to present this complimentary local business and retail directory. We would love our readers to support these businesses by visiting and spending. Happy Shopping!

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136 Southern Highlands Share the Love | COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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137 COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS DIRECTORY | Share the Love

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138 Southern Highlands FRENSHAM SCHOOLS GIB GATE Preschool & Primary Education

When it comes to schools, look no further Relocating to the than Gib Gate ~ where a superior, personalised education brings out the best in each child Southern Highlands? … and a lifelong love of learning. Join us for GIB GATE OPEN DAY on Saturday 2 May, 11am-1pm, Old Bowral Road Mittagong Learn more: www.gibgate.nsw.edu.au

Mhairi Clark JP, Civil Marriage Celebrant (pronounced Vari)

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139 TOP TEN | April & May

HOOTS MAN TOP If tartan, massed bands, bagpipes, Highland dancing and burly blokes in kilts tossing things is your speed, ten don’t miss Brigadoon, the Bundanoon Scottish As the leaves change colour and the Highlands Gathering. This annual celebration, Highlands begins its road to recovery, here definitely the biggest and noisiest meeting of Scottish are a few of our favourite things over the next diaspora in the Southern Hemisphere, starts at 9am few months to brighten up your world and on the corner of Erith and Amy Street with a parade help our local communities rebuild … Due to these unusual times, some of these dates to Bundanoon’s Oval where festivities begin. Always may change. a joyous, busy day with popular events Tartan Warriors and The Australian Highland Heavy Weight Championships crowd favourites. Postponed until Aug/Sept. brigadoon.net.au ARTY NOSH April Put aside the eggs this Easter weekend and book a table instead at fine dining restaurant, Eschalot in Berrima where chef Matt Roberts and local sculptor Thomas Bucich give new, novel meaning to arty nosh. A collaboration good enough to eat, Pedestal to Plate will flow from walls and plinths onto plates in this seven course sculptural degustation dinner and exhibition. “We’re as excited about the process of putting all this together as much as the final product,” says Bucich, who recently became ensconced as new operator and artist in residence at the famous Bell Gallery in Berrima, renamed The Whitewall Gallery. “It’s why artists and chefs often have symbiotic relationships,” he says. “We both use various techniques and processes to transform simple materials into fine art and dining.” Pedestal to Plate April 10 -12, 4pm to 6pm, open to the public. GUNDUNGURRA CEREMONY A very special one to get involved with to help celebrate and witness the culture and community of our local Gundungurra people with SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FIRIES, WHO DID SO MUCH TO KEEP US SAFE OVER SUMMER BY GETTING heliography – the art of flashing mirrors and a Koori flag-raising ALONG TO THE BOWRAL & DISTRICT ART GALLERY’S THANKYOU RFS EXHIBITION AND BUY A event. Held for many years, the Gundungurra Mirror Flash WORK BY PRIZED ARTISTS INCLUDING NOEL THURGATE AND A-F FULGENCE. ALL PROCEEDS GO acknowledges the traditional owners of the Southern Highlands TO SH RURAL FIRE SERVICE. SATURDAY, APRIL 11 AT 2PM, 1 SHORT STREET, BOWRAL. and communicates with another mob, the D’harawal people nearly 100 kilometres away in the Blue Mountains at Katoomba by mirror flash. Enjoy a short bushwalk up Gibbergunyah Hill, Bowral then participate in culture including a Smoking Ceremony, dance and Learning. After the mirror flash at 3pm, sit down for stories and a yarn about First Nations culture and building bridges between the Aboriginal and the Non-Aboriginal Communities. Local aboriginal elders say there is evidence that this form of communication between First Nations peoples has been used across the mountains for thousands of years, with polished shells taking the place of mirrors in pre-colonial times. Local Indigenous mentor and historian Peter Swain says the line of sight of the mirror flash, across the rugged country of the Nattai, Wollondilly, and Wingecarribee Rivers from Mittagong to Katoomba, follows a traditional mountain path which in turn follows an important songline. Easter Saturday April 11 at 2pm. Arrive in the carpark at Gibbergunyah Reserve, Boronia St, Bowral and walk up following the trail to Gibbergunyah.

140 Southern Highlands YOU LIKE JAZZ? Hot from the trad jazz scene in New York, expat sensation Adrian Cunningham, aka Professor May Cunningham and His Old School Band, return home to headline the Southern Highlands Jazz Festival with some hot and fiery swing numbers. The out of towners will join local outfits like the regular Sunday Sessions band with David Seidel on double bass, Ben Jones on reeds and vocals, Peter Locke on piano and Joshua Morgan on drums. With a jazz party vibe, this is one gig that will definitely be good for souls who love swing. Postponed until October. Bowral Golf Club. shjazzinc.com/2020jazzparty WHOA BOY Want to learn how to be the best competitive horse rider in the ring? ON THE GROUND Phil Webb is a teaching legend in competitive cow horse circles Seen those images on Instagram of beautiful and in this two day Horsemanship & Cutting Clinic will share waterfalls and nature regenerating our his tricks of the trade to help you and your horse become more bushland escarpments about the Highlands confident and responsive. Held at the Snake Creek Cattle Company and wondered where they are? Stop at Werai (where facilities include a sand arena, cattle holding wondering and travel on foot with the yards, individual horse yards and camp kitchen), cost includes Southern Highlands Bushwalking Club to get dinner under the stars, secure horse yards, powered camp site with up close and personal with some of our most amenities and two head of cattle per rider. Fence-sitters welcome. spectacular, hard to reach spots. Two of the Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17. great walks on offer soon are the 15 kilometre [email protected] Lake Alexandra to Box Vale incline trek and the 14 kilometre fire trail round trip in FRIGHT NIGHT Kangaroo Valley to the Les Lambert Lookout. Sunday May 24 and Sunday May 31. Like a bit of darkness to get the blood pumping? Berrima is one bushwalkingnsw.org.au of our oldest communities with lots of grim, fascinating colonial history about convicts and bushrangers brought before the law at Old Berrima Courthouse. Join an interactive Ghost Tour at RETAIL ROUTE SHARE the old courthouse, believed (by some) to be inhabited by many the love ghostly residents. Expect to learn about history and hauntings It’s tough out there in retail land so why Crop Swap and get a taste of the ghost hunting equipment used to detect not get together with some friends who Saturday 9.30am-10.30am ghoulish spirts. Refreshments are included in tour price … love to shop down from Sydney or up from Robertson Bowling Club, presumably to help wake you up from your dead faint on the Canberra, or a group of your Highlands Hoddle Street, Robertson floor! Only children 12 years and over welcome on this tour. besties and organise some local retail Exeter Village Market April 10 and May 16, 8.30pm to 10.30pm appighosthunts.com therapy. Make a day or a weekend of it First Saturday 9am-1.30pm and navigate a big loop of the Highlands, Exeter Village Hall and Oval, Exeter being sure to stop in along the way at as many of our unique retailers, restaurants Colo Vale Community Markets and cafes as you can #buyfromthebush First Saturday 8.30am-1.30pm, Colo Vale #bringanemptyesky Another great way Village Hall, Railway Avenue, Colo Vale to support shop local is to get along to Bundanoon Makers Market our weekend markets dotted around First and third Sunday 8.30am-2pm the Highlands. If you love unearthing Bundanoon Memorial Hall, homemade and grown delights, and want Railway Parade, Bundanoon to get some real insight into our region’s creative and cultivating side, these markets Bowral Public School Market are a terrific launch pad. Second Saturday 8am-1pm Bendooley Street, Bowral Robertson Markets Second Sunday 9am-2pm, School of Arts, Berrima School Yard Market Hoddle Street, Robertson Fourth Sunday 9am-2pm Berrima Public School, Oxley Street, Berrima Railway Street Farmers Market Thursdays 3pm-6pm, Old Bowling Club Moss Vale Farmers & Flea Market Green, Railway Street, Moss Vale Fourth Saturday 8am-1pm, Moss Vale Showground, Mittagong Markets BEER O’CLOCK Illawarra Highway, Moss Vale Third and fifth Saturday 8am-2pm Friday night, locally brewed beer and live music … what could be sweeter? United Church, cnr Albert and The Mill Farmers Market Head to homegrown brewing success story, Eden Brewery in Mittagong, Alice streets, Mittagong Wednesday 3.30-8pm to sink a few of their award-winning ales for their Live & Unplugged Bong Bong & Bundaroo Street, Bowral. E music sessions. Music acts local and from further afield. Fridays 8pm to 10pm. 1/19 Cavendish Street, Mittagong. edenbrewery.beer

For hotel bookings and enquiries visit www.beridahotel.com.au or call our friendly staff on 02 4861 1177

European Bistro and Gin Bar Luxury in a secluded sanctuary

Discover tradition and sophistication at Bowral’s Sculptress at Berida Day Spa is a haven for pampering and French-inspired European Bistro and Gin Bar, located regular beauty rituals. Specialising in massage, facials and in The Berida Hotel. Bistro Sociale is perfect for luxe treatments. Sculptress is the home of the natural face intimate dinners, a relaxing weekend brunch or a lift, skin rejuvenation and body reshaping. gathering of friends and cocktails by the fireplace incorporating or on the sun drenched terrace.

Visit www.bistrosociale.com.au or call 02 4899 7116 Visit www.sculptress.com.au or call the Day Spa on 02 4879 9200 Roy Cocoon with Rozy Side Table

MITTAGONG SYDNEY BRISBANE 02 4872 2585 02 9906 3686 07 3252 8488

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